When your dentist says you have plaque, that’s bad. But when the ARRL November Sweepstakes contest results say you have a plaque, that’s a cause for celebration! Plaques for Division and overall contest winners are an important part of the Sweepstakes tradition -- both for the winners and the plaque sponsors. The ARRL Sweepstakes depends on the generosity of plaque sponsors who honor both the winners and their sponsoring organizations.

“There are plenty of winners who deserve a plaque but for which there is no sponsor,” explained ARRL Sweepstakes Manager Dan Street, K1TO. “Over the past few years, ICOM America has supported Sweepstakes by sponsoring any plaque for which there is no individual or organizational sponsor; as of September 13, that list totals 69 plaques for CW and 73 plaques for Phone Sweepstakes. As Sweepstakes Manager, I am encouraging all of Sweepstakes’ many friends to consider sponsoring a plaque in their Division, for an unsponsored ‘overall’ plaque or even in creating their own custom plaque for a special result. Plaques can be sponsored in honor of a deserving individual, as well. What better way to remember an Elmer, a Silent Key or honor exceptional service?”

Sponsoring a plaque is simple. Select one of the unsponsored plaques listed on the ARRL Web site (click “Available Plaques to Sponsor”) or define a special plaque. Once you have selected a plaque to sponsor, contact ARRL Contest Branch Manager Sean Kutzko KX9X, via e-mail by phone at or 860-594-0232. It only costs $75 to sponsor a plaque -- the ARRL takes care of ordering and shipping the plaque to the winner.

“Aside from your participation, there is no better way to support the ARRL November Sweepstakes -- the longest-running domestic contest of all,” Street said. “Please consider becoming a plaque sponsor or having your club do so. It’s a great feeling!”